"It is with slight sadness that I announce that DJM restaurants will no longer run the operations of 3030 Ocean. It has been 14 years since we created the concept in 1999, and I have personally had an amazing adventure with the restaurant. So many people came and went and so many talented cooks, chefs, and managers have rolled through the doors. I will miss the space, the people and our loyal customers. Keep an eye out for new ventures in South Florida."

The chef, known for his use of sustainable foods in his dishes, has several other restaurants throughout the United States and the Cayman Islands, including Latitude 41 (Columbus, Ohio); Brasserie Cayman (Georgetown); Parallel Post (Trumbull, Connecticut); Amp 150 (Cleveland) and Asador (Dallas). Most recently, Max opened James Republic, a casual eatery in Long Beach, California, that features locally sourced ingredients from California's abundant farms and the Pacific.

Max was named best chef in 2009 by Broward/Palm Beach New Times and has won numerous awards, including being named best chef in South Florida by the National Restaurant Association. Max is also a three-time James Beard finalist.

No word yet on specifics on any new local projects by the chef, but the Florida native, who has deep ties to the community, told Clean Plate Charlie that he's "going to try some new things in the area."